Surgical Instrument for Joining Tissue

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes an actuator member. An end effector is operatively disposed adjacent a distal portion of an elongated shaft of the surgical instrument. The end effector includes a first jaw member pivotably disposed with respect to a second jaw member. The end effector is movable between a first position where the jaw members are spaced from one another, and a second position where the jaw members are in an approximated position. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a respective longitudinal track. An actuation assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, wherein actuation of the actuation member causes the actuation assembly to translate from a distal portion of the end effector towards a proximal portion of the end effector through the tracks in the first and second jaw members.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical field

This application relates to surgical instruments for joining tissue, andmore particularly, to surgical instruments that are pull activated forsequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissueand to electrosurgical instruments that are configured to sever tissueafter tissue has been electrosurgically treated.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical instruments wherein tissue is first grasped or clamped betweenopposing jaw structure and then joined by surgical fasteners, or othersuitable means, are well known in the art. Instruments for this purposecan include two elongated members which are respectively used to captureor clamp tissue. Typically, such surgical instruments include a shaftextending from a handle and/or trigger assembly, an end effectorassembly, which includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly forsupporting a plurality of surgical fasteners, an approximation mechanismfor approximating the anvil and cartridge and anvil assemblies, and anactuation assembly for ejecting the surgical fasteners from thecartridge assembly. In some instances, the surgical instrument may beadapted to connect to a loading unit (e.g., disposable loading unit)that includes an end effector assembly, which includes an anvil assemblyand a cartridge assembly for supporting a plurality of surgicalfasteners. Typically, the actuation assembly is operatively coupled to asled, cam or wedge in operative mechanical communication with thecartridge assembly. During a firing sequence of the surgicalinstruments, the sled is translated into contact with a pusherassociated with a surgical fastener causing the surgical fastener toeject from the cartridge assembly and into the anvil assembly such thata surgical fastener line may be formed within tissue.

Electrosurgical instruments (e.g., electrosurgical forceps) are wellknown in the medical arts and can include a handle, a shaft and an endeffector assembly, which includes jaw members operatively coupled to adistal end of the shaft, that is configured to manipulate tissue (e.g.,grasp and seal tissue). Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanicalclamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heatingthe tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut,desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue. The electrosurgical forceps mayinclude a knife blade or cutter which may be configured to translatewithin a knife channel or slot operatively associated with one or bothof the jaw members such that after the tissue has been electrosurgicallytreated (e.g., sealed), tissue may be effectively severed.

In some instances, it may prove advantageous to bend or articulate theshaft of the surgical instruments (e.g., during a lower anteriorresection “LAR” procedure) and/or the electrosurgical forceps (e.g.,during an electrosurgical tissue sealing procedure). When the shaft ofthe surgical instruments is bent or articulated, there may existpractical challenges associated with a translation force required totranslate the sled along the shaft during the firing sequence. Likewise,when the shaft of the electrosurgical forceps is bent or articulated,there may exist practical challenges associated with a translation forcerequired to translate the knife blade within the knife slot after tissuehas been electrosurgically treated. When the shaft of the surgicalfastener applying instrument is articulated, a force is required toclose the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly onto tissue, translate aknife and/or fire or deploy the surgical fastener.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrumentconfigured to surgically join tissue is provided. The surgicalinstrument includes a handle assembly with an actuation member. Thesurgical instrument includes an elongated portion that extends distallyfrom the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. An endeffector is operatively disposed adjacent a distal portion of theelongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw memberpivotably disposed with respect to a second jaw member. The end effectoris movable between a first position where the jaw members are spacedfrom one another, and a second position where the jaw members are in anapproximated position. Each of the first and second jaw members includesa respective longitudinal track. An actuation assembly is disposed inmechanical cooperation with the end effector, wherein actuation of theactuation member causes the actuation assembly to translate from adistal portion of the end effector towards a proximal portion of the endeffector through the tracks in the first and second jaw members.

The instrument may have an end effector with a cartridge assembly and ananvil assembly. In certain embodiments, the proximal movement of theactuation assembly causes staples to be ejected from the cartridgeassembly toward the anvil. The actuation assembly can have cam with aknife, the knife including a proximal edge configured to sever tissue.

A top and a bottom of the cam forms an I-beam shape in certainembodiments. The top and bottom portions of the cam are receivable intracks in the first jaw member and second jaw member. The end effectorcan have a cam pin and a cam slot for approximating the first and secondjaw members. The distal portion of the second jaw member is configuredto house at least a portion of the actuation assembly prior to actuationof the actuation member.

In certain embodiments, the instrument includes an actuation cable inmechanical cooperation with the actuation assembly and with theactuation member. An approximation member can be provided in cooperationwith the handle assembly for causing distal translation of anapproximation assembly which causes the end effector to move toward thesecond position.

In certain preferred embodiments, the end effector articulates withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The end effector mayform part of a loading unit that can be removable and replaceable.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the jaw members is pivotableabout a pivot point. The surgical instrument can be configured for usein minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure a loading unitconfigured for use with a surgical instrument is provided. The loadingunit includes a proximal end that is configured to connect to a distalend of the surgical instrument. A distal end includes an end effectorhaving a first jaw member pivotably disposed with respect to a secondjaw member. The end effector is movable between a first position wherethe jaw members are spaced from one another, and a second position wherethe jaw members are in an approximated position. Each of the first andsecond jaw members includes a respective longitudinal track. Anactuation assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the endeffector, wherein actuation of the actuation member causes the actuationassembly to translate from a distal portion of the end effector towardsa proximal portion of the end effector through the tracks in the firstand second jaw members.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure a surgicalstapling instrument is provided. The surgical stapling instrumentincludes a handle assembly having an actuator member. An elongated shaftextends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinalaxis. An end effector is operably disposed at a distal end of the shaftand has a first jaw member with a first distal, free end and a secondjaw member with a second distal, free end. One or both of the first jawmember and second jaw member is pivotably movable about a pivot portionat a proximal portion of the jaw members. An actuation head at the firstdistal, free end of the first jaw member is connected to a flexibleactuation member. In one particular embodiment, the first jaw member isa surgical stapling cartridge. A locking feature is operably disposed atthe first distal free end of the first jaw member and is configured tomaintain the first and second jaw members in a substantially fixedposition.

A surgical instrument according to the present disclosure can have asecond jaw member which is an anvil assembly.

Proximal movement of the actuation head causes staples to be ejectedfrom the cartridge assembly towards the anvil assembly. The actuationhead can include a knife with a proximal edge configured to severtissue.

In certain embodiments, a top and bottom portion of the actuation headforms an “I” beam configuration, such that the top and bottom portionsof the actuation head are receivable within respective tracks associatedwith the first and second jaw members.

A cam slot and cam pin configuration, in certain embodiments, isoperably associated with the end effector and configured to facilitateremote approximation of the first and second jaw members.

The cam slot can be disposed in parallel relation with respect to aproximal end of at least one of the jaw members. The first distal, freeend of the first jaw member may be configured to house at least aportion of the actuation head prior to actuation of the actuator member.An approximation member disposed in mechanical cooperation with thehandle assembly, wherein actuation of the approximation member causesdistal translation of an approximation assembly which causes the endeffector to move towards its second position.

The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and the end effectoris desirably movable between a parallel position where the firstlongitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second longitudinalaxis and an offset position where the first longitudinal axis and thesecond longitudinal axis are offset from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentincluding a loading unit adapted for use with an actuation assembly forsequentially firing a plurality of surgical fasteners in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an open surgical stapling instrumentintended for use with an actuation assembly for sequentially firing aplurality of surgical fasteners in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an endoscopic electrosurgical forcepsintended for use with an actuation assembly in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2C are side views in partial phantom of a distal portion of theloading unit depicted in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a mechanical interface thatis utilized to couple a proximal end of the loading unit to the surgicalinstrument in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the proximal end of the loading unit coupledto the surgical instrument with the proximal end shown in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of the proximal end of theloading unit coupled to the surgical instrument with the proximal endshown in an un-locked configuration;

FIG. 4A is is a perspective view illustrating a mechanical interfacethat is utilized to couple a proximal end of the loading unit to thesurgical instrument in accordance with an alternate embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the proximal end of the loading unit depictedin FIG. 4A coupled to the surgical instrument with the proximal endshown in a locked configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side view in partial phantom of an alternate configurationof an end effector adapted for use with the loading unit depicted inFIGS. 2A-2C;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument includinga loading unit adapted for use with an actuation assembly forsequentially firing a plurality of surgical fasteners in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7B are side views in partial phantom of a distal portion of theloading unit depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument includinga loading unit adapted for use with an actuation assembly forsequentially firing a plurality of surgical fasteners in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a side view in partial phantom of a distal portion of theloading unit depicted in FIG. 6 positioned within an access port and ina non-approximated configuration;

FIG. 9B is a side view in partial phantom of the distal portion of thetool assembly depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a distal portion of a surgical staplinginstrument in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector for asurgical stapling instrument in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument are describedin detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like referencenumerals designate similar or identical elements in each of the severalviews. In the drawings and the description that follows, the term“proximal” refers to the end of the surgical stapling instrument that isclosest to the handle assembly, whereas the term “distal” refers to theend of the surgical stapling instrument that is farthest from the handleassembly. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the depictedsurgical stapling instrument fires staples, but it may be adapted tofire any other suitable fastener such as clips and two-part fasteners.

FIG. 1A illustrates one type of surgical stapling instrument that may beemployed with an actuation assembly 100 (FIG. 2A-2C) of the presentdisclosure. Briefly, surgical stapling instrument 10 includes a handleassembly 12 and an elongated body or shaft 14. Shaft 14 defines alongitudinal axis X-X. Shaft 14 may be substantially rigid, or in someinstances shaft 14 may flexible and capable of bending, articulating, orpivoting (shown in phantom). Handle assembly 12 includes a stationaryhandle member 16, and a movable handle member 18. A rotatable member 20is mounted on the handle assembly 12 to facilitate rotation of elongatedbody 14 with respect to handle assembly 12. An articulation lever 22 isalso mounted on handle assembly 12 to facilitate articulation of an endeffector 24. The distal end of instrument 10 may be configured as aloading unit 26 (e.g., a disposable loading unit (DLU) or a single useloading unit (SULU)) that is releasably secured to a distal end of shaft14. Loading unit 26 includes end effector 24 including a pair ofpivotably coupled opposing first and second jaw members 30 a and 28 a,respectively, including a respective anvil assembly 30 having aplurality of staple forming pockets and cartridge assembly 28 housing aplurality of surgical staples. The first jaw member and cartridgeassembly has a first distal, free end and the second jaw member has asecond distal, free end. The jaw members are pivotably movable about apivot portion at a proximal portion of the jaw members. In embodiments,one or both of the cartridge assembly 28 and anvil assembly 30 may beconfigured to conduct electrosurgical energy.

For a more detailed description of the operation of surgical staplinginstrument 10 reference is made to commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.5,865,361 to Milliman et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,256 to Mastri etal., which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Actuation assembly 100 may be adapted for use with an open surgicalstapling instrument 300 (FIG. 1B) that is configured for use during anopen gastro-intestinal anastomotic stapling procedure or, for example,any of the surgical fastener-applying apparatus discussed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,045,560; 5,964,394; 5,894,979; 5,878,937; 5,915,616; 5,836,503;5,862,972; 5,817,109; 5,797,538; and 5,782,396, which are eachincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Actuation assembly 100 may be adapted for use with an electrosurgicalinstrument 500, e.g., an endoscopic electrosurgical forceps 500 (FIG.1C). Briefly, the electrosurgical instrument 500 can be any suitabletype of electrosurgical instrument, including but not limited toelectrosurgical instruments that can grasp and/or perform any of theabove mentioned electrosurgical procedures. One type of electrosurgicalinstrument may include an endoscopic electrosurgical forceps 500 asdisclosed in United States Patent Publication No. 2007/0173814 entitled“Vessel Sealer and Divider for Large Tissue Structures,” which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. A brief discussion ofendoscopic electrosurgical forceps 500 and components, parts, andmembers associated therewith is included herein to provide furtherdetail and to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure.

Electrosurgical forceps 500 is shown for use with variouselectrosurgical procedures (e.g., tissue sealing procedure) andgenerally includes a housing 520, a handle assembly 530 that includes amovable handle 540 and a fixed handle 550, a rotating assembly 580, apush button assembly 560, a trigger assembly 570, a shaft 512, and anend effector assembly 600, which mutually cooperate to grasp, seal anddivide large tubular vessels and large vascular tissues. In embodiments,electrosurgical forceps 500 is adapted to connect to an electrosurgicalenergy source 700. Although the majority of the figure drawings depictan electrosurgical forceps 500 for use in connection with laparoscopicsurgical procedures, the present disclosure may be used for moretraditional open surgical procedures or endoscopic procedures.

For the purposes of brevity, the functional and operational features ofactuation assembly 100 will be described in terms of use with surgicalstapling instrument 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, and initially with reference to FIG. 2A anembodiment of the actuation assembly 100 for sequentially applying thefasteners of device 10 is shown. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.2A-2C, a proximal end 27 of a loading unit 26 is configured toreleasably secure to a distal end of the elongated shaft 14 (see FIG. 1Ain combination with FIGS. 3A-3C. The loading unit 26 includes a proximalbody and an effector and may be a disposable or replaceable loadingunit. Alternatively, a removable cartridge assembly can be used and thecartridge assembly may be replaced after the cartridge assembly isfired.

Actuation assembly 100 may include or be in operative communication withan actuator or trigger member (e.g., movable handle 18) configured suchthat actuation thereof produces a pulling force that drives a actuationhead 104 associated with the actuation assembly 100 proximally causing aplurality of the staples associated with a cartridge assembly 28 todeploy from the cartridge assembly 28. In certain embodiments, theactuation head 104 is disposed at the distal, free end of the first jawmember and cartridge assembly. One such actuator member is disclosed incommonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,724 to Green et al., the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Loading unit 26,the distal end of elongated shaft 12 and/or any other parts orcomponents associated with device 10 may include any number of gears,screws, pins, cams, links, pulleys, springs, spools, additionalconduits, and/or other suitable mechanical/electrical components and/orsystems such that the actuation assembly 100 can function in a manner asdescribed herein.

In one particular embodiment, a cable 19 is operably coupled to themovable handle 18 and is configured such that proximal movement of themovable handle 18 causes the cable 19 to move proximally within theshaft 12, which, in turn causes the actuation head 104 to moveproximally within the cartridge assembly 28 such that the plurality ofthe staples associated with a cartridge assembly 28 deploy from thecartridge assembly 28. More particularly, a coupling or lockingstructure 21 is operably associated with the cable 19 and is configuredto matingly and releasably engage a corresponding structure, e.g., aplug 105, associated with an actuation member 102. To this end, lockingstructure 21 is suitably proportioned to releasably couple to theactuation member 102. More particularly, locking structure 21 includes agenerally elongated configuration having a generally circumferentialshape, as best seen in FIG. 3A. A proximal end of the locking structure21 is operably coupled to the cable 19 by one or more suitable couplingmethods, e.g., adhesive. A distal end of 23 of the locking structure 21matingly and releasably secures to the actuation member 102. With thispurpose in mind, distal end 23 includes a pair of locking surfaces inthe form of a pair of locking tabs 25 that collectively define a pair oflateral slots or notches 29 dimensioned to receive a portion, e.g., plug105, of the actuation member 102. A cavity 31 of suitable dimension isdefined by the locking structure 21 and is disposed between the lockingtabs 25 and the proximal end of the locking structure 21. The cavity 31of the locking structure 21 is dimensioned such that when the plug 105is positioned within the cavity 31, the plug 105 is movable therein toengage the locking tabs 25. More particularly, after the plug ispositioned within the cavity 31 (see FIG. 3C, for example), the loadingunit 26 may be rotated such that the plug 105 and locking tabs 25 are inengaged alignment with one another, see FIG. 3B, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B an alternate embodiment of the lockingstructure is shown designated 121. Locking structure 121 depicted inFIGS. 4A and 4B, is substantially similar to locking structure 21.Locking structure 121 includes a pair of locking surfaces in the form ofa pair of locking tabs 125 (FIG. 4B). In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lockingstructure 121 includes a single notch 133 that is dimensioned to receivethe plug 105 of the actuation member 102 when the loading unit 26 isbeing attached to the surgical instrument 10, see FIG. 4A, for example.As described above with respect to locking structure 21, once the plug105 is positioned within the cavity 131, the loading unit 26 may berotated such that the plug 105 and locking tabs 125 are in engagedalignment with one another, see FIG. 4B, for example.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other mechanicalinterface configurations may be utilized to operably couple the cable 19of the surgical instrument 10 to the actuation member 102 of the loadingunit 26.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2A, actuation member 102 is shown.Actuation member 102 may be any suitable type of actuation member knownin the art including, but not limited to cable, wire, chain, spring(e.g., constant force tension spring such as the one sold by AMETEK®under the trademark NEG'ATOR®) or combination thereof. The actuationmember is desirably flexible. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.2A-2C, actuation member 102 is in the form of a flexible cable 102.Cable 102 is configured to stretch, bend and/or articulate when theshaft 14 is in a bent and/or articulated position. Cable 102 may be madefrom any suitable material. In embodiments, cable 102 may be formed fromor coated with a material that is relatively lubricious (e.g., PTFE)such that the coefficient of static and/or kinetic frictions between thecable 102 and other operative components associated with device 10 arekept to a minimum. In an embodiment, cable 102 operatively couples themovable handle 18 to an actuation head 104 that is operativelyassociated with the end effector 24, to be discussed in more detailbelow. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, cable 102, orportion thereof, is operatively housed and movable within loading unit26. Cable 102 extends from a proximal end of loading unit 26 (shown inFIGS. 1A and 3A and 3B) to a distal end 34 of the end effector 24 (FIG.2A) via an opening (not shown) operatively disposed at a proximal end ofend effector 24, cartridge 28, and/or anvil 30. Cable 102 may beconfigured to translate within a guide, channel or groove operativelydisposed within cartridge 18 to facilitate movement of cable 102 withincartridge 18.

In the illustrated embodiments, a proximal end 103 of the cable 102adjacent the proximal end 27 of the loading unit 26 is configured tocouple to a distal end of the shaft of the surgical instrument 10 viaone or more of the mechanical interfaces described above, e.g., plug 105and locking structure 21 or 121. For illustrative purposes, plug 105 isdescribed in terms of use with locking structure 21. As noted above,plug 105 is configured to matingly engage the locking tabs 25 (or insome instances locking tabs 125) of the locking structure 21, see FIG.3B, for example. A distal end of the plug 105 is operably coupled to thecable 102 by one or more suitable coupling methods, such as, forexample, the coupling method utilized to couple the proximal end of thelocking structure 21 to the cable 19. Plug 105 includes one or moresurfaces that are configured to engage the locking tabs 25. Moreparticularly, plug 105 includes a pair trailing surfaces 107 configuredto engage a respective one of the locking tabs 25 (or in some instanceslocking tabs 125) when the plug 105 is positioned with the cavity 31 andthe plug 105 and/or loading unit 26 is rotated from an unlocked position(see FIG. 3C, for example) to the locked position (see FIG. 3B, forexample).

A handle assembly with an actuator member that may be used to retractthe cable 102 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,562 to Bolanos et al.,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. One or more spools are ratcheted to draw the cable 102around the one or more spools and retract the cable 102. Detents orpawls are used so that multiple actuations of the trigger handle willwind the cable 102 around the spool.

Actuation assembly 100 includes one or more actuation heads 104 that isoperatively associated with the cartridge 28 and disposed at distal end34 of the end effector 24 (see FIG. 2A, for example). Actuation head 104is translatable within cartridge 28 from distal end 34 of the endeffector 24 to at least a proximal end 36 of the cartridge. To this end,actuation head 104 may include any suitable configuration. In theembodiment illustrated FIGS. 2A-2C, actuation head 104 includes an “I”beam shaped configuration. In addition, a proximal or leading edge 104 a(FIG. 2A) of actuation head 104, or portion thereof, is incorporatedtherein. Leading edge 104 a is configured to contact a plurality ofpushers 106 b operatively disposed within cartridge 28 so that during afiring sequence of the instrument 10 a corresponding plurality ofstaples 106 a are caused to be ejected from the cartridge 28 (FIG. 2C)towards anvil 30. For example, the leading edge 104 a may be configuredas a wedge or cam. A proximal end of the actuation head 104 operablycouples (via adhesive, solder, etc.) to cable 102 (FIG. 2A). A bottomportion 104 b of actuation head 104 is translatable within alongitudinal track 120 (e.g., a slot corresponding to the bottom flangeof the I-beam) operably associated with the second jaw member 28 a andextending substantially along a length of the cartridge 28 (see FIG. 2A,for example). A top portion 104 c of actuation head 104 is receivablewithin a longitudinal track 112 operatively associated with first jawmember 30 a and extending substantially along a length thereof. In anembodiment, top portion 104 c of actuation head 104 forms a top portionof the “I” beam structure and includes a compression member in the formof a lip or flange 108 b that is configured to compress the anvil 30 andcartridge 28 together during the firing sequence.

A knife blade or cutter 108 is operatively connected (via adhesive,solder, etc.) to actuation head 104. Alternatively, knife blade 108 andactuation head 104 may be a unitary structure manufactured by knowntechniques (e.g., molded, over-molded, etc.) Knife blade 108 is disposedwithin cartridge 28 at the distal end 34 of the end effector 24. Knifeblade 108 includes a leading or proximal edge 108 a (FIG. 2A) that isspaced distally relative to the proximal edge 104 a of actuation head104 and includes a generally arcuate or concave configuration. In analternate embodiment, proximal edge 108 a may be flat. In thisembodiment, proximal edge 104 a of actuation head 104 may be elongatedand extend proximally relative to the proximal edge 108 a of the knifeblade 108. Knife blade 108 is oriented in a substantially perpendicularrelation to a longitudinal axis X that extends along the length ofdevice 10 and loading unit 26. Knife blade 108 is translatable from thedistal end 34 of the end effector 24 to at least the proximal end 36 ofcartridge 28 within a knife channel 32 operatively disposed along alength of cartridge 28 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 1A).

One or more camming features 110 are operatively disposed on endeffector 24. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, cammingfeature 110 may be employed when manual approximation of the cartridge28 and anvil 30 is required. That is, the movable handle 18 is notconfigured to approximate the anvil 30 and cartridge 28 toward eachother. To this end, a camming feature 110 is operably positioned on botha right and left side of the end effector 24 (see FIG. 1 A incombination with FIGS. 2A-2C). The camming feature 110 on each of theright and left sides of the end effector 24 is identical, thus, andunless otherwise noted, the operative and functional features of each ofthe camming features 110 will be described in terms of a left cammingfeature 110. A cam pin 114 is operably associated with the end effector24 adjacent the cartridge 28 and operatively connects to a cam slot 126disposed on anvil 30. The cam pin 114 and cam slot 126 may be configuredin any suitable configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.2A-2C, the cam slot 126 is obliquely orientated with respect to the Xaxis and parallel with respect to a proximal portion of the first jawmember 30 a, see FIGS. 2B and 2C, for example. In an alternateembodiment, the cam slot 126 is orthogonally oriented with respect tothe X axis and parallel with respect to a proximal portion of the firstjaw member 30 a, as best seen in FIG. 5. In either arrangement, thecamming configuration is intended to aid a clinician in approximatingthe anvil 30 and cartridge 28 toward each other. That is, this cammingconfiguration provides an additional mechanical advantage for overcomingthe high forces associated with the clamping down of tissue between theanvil 30 and cartridge 28.

In an embodiment, end effector 24 may include one or more types oflocking features configured to maintain the anvil 30 and cartridge 28 inan approximated position. The locking feature(s) may be any suitablelocking feature(s) known in the art. In certain embodiments, the lockingfeature is provided at the distal, free end of the cartridge assembly toengage the anvil. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.2A-2C, a distal end 38 of the anvil 30 is configured to engage thedistal end 34 of the end effector 24 and/or cartridge 28. Moreparticularly, the distal end 38 of the anvil 30 includes a generallycurved or arcuate end configured to selectively and releasably engage anopening or recess 40 associated with the distal end 34 of the endeffector 24 (see FIG. 1A in conjunction with either of FIGS. 2A or 2C,for example). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, a protrusion42 is operably disposed within the opening 40 and extends at an anglerelative to the axis X toward the distal end 34 of the end effector 24.The protrusion 42 is configured to selectively and releasably engage thearcuate surface 38 of the anvil 30 such that anvil 30 is maintained in asubstantially fixed position when the anvil 30 is engaged with theopening 40. To facilitate engagement of the anvil 30 within the opening40 the protrusion 42 may be biased radially inward. In this instance,the protrusion 42 may be formed from a resilient material, or may beoperably associated with a spring (not shown). Other locking featuresare contemplated herein, such as detents, latches, clips, etc. The anvil30 has a slot for accommodating the actuation head 104 as the anvil 30is moved toward the cartridge assembly 28. In certain preferredembodiments, the distal end 234 of the end effector 224 or the jawopposite the anvil 230 has an inwardly biased (i.e., biased generally inthe proximal direction) lock member 231 for securely engaging the anvil230 (see FIG. 11). The lock member has a recess shaped to securelyengage the distal end of the anvil 230 and prevent movement of the anvil230 or, alternatively, the distal end of the anvil 230 has a recess andthe lock member has a protrusion engaged by the recess. The lock memberhas a first position securing the anvil 230 in place and a secondposition allowing the anvil to move away from the opposing jaw andallowing the end effector to open and release tissue. In certainpreferred embodiments, the lock member is attached to a pusher thatextends to handle assembly. The pusher 233 may be attached to a buttonor other manipulatable member allowing the user of the instrument torelease the anvil 230 after the staples have been deployed. Thus, forrelatively thick tissue, the second jaw member 228 has a distal endextending transversely to the longitudinal axis, enclosing the gapbetween the first and second jaw member 228. The first jaw member 30 alocks into the second jaw member 228, capturing tissue between the jawsso that relatively thick tissue will not escape the gap between thejaws. The user may release lock, and open the jaws by manipulating themanipulatable member, moving the lock member holding the anvil 230 inplace in the closed position. After releasing the lock member, the anvil230 can be moved to an open position. It is contemplated that the anvilhave more than one closed position and that the lock fix the anvil in afirst, second, or third position, or more. In such an embodiment, thelock member has more than one feature, such as a recess or protrusion,or the anvil distal end has more than one recess or protrusion.

Operation of actuation assembly 100 is described herein in terms of usewith the surgical instrument depicted in FIG. 1A. In operation, tissueis positioned between anvil 30 and cartridge 28 (not explicitly shown).When tissue is properly positioned between the anvil 30 and cartridge28, a user manually approximates (e.g., in the direction of directionalarrow D) the first and second jaw members, 30 a and 28 a, respectively,toward one another. Curved portion 38 is received into opening 40 whereprotrusion 42 releasably engages the curved portion 38 (see FIG. 2B, forexample). The top portion 104 c aligns with the track 112 in first jawmember 130. Subsequently, movable handle 18 is moved through anactuation stroke causing the cable 102 to pull actuation head 104proximally, which results in knife blade 108 translating proximallywithin knife channel 32 and bottom portion 104 b and top portion 104 cof the actuation head 104 translating proximally within respectiveI-beam tracks 120 and 112. During proximal movement of the actuationhead 104, the leading edge 104 a, or portion thereof, contacts theplurality of pushers 106 b causing the corresponding plurality ofstaples 106 a to eject from the cartridge 28 and form within stapleforming pockets 44 associated with the anvil 30 such that at least onestaple line is formed in tissue (see FIG. 2C, for example). Duringproximal movement of the knife blade 108, the proximal edge 108 a seversthe stapled tissue. Moreover, because cable 102 is flexible and capableof bending and/or articulating, the practical challenges associated withconventional actuation assemblies may be diminished and/or alleviated.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7B, and initially with reference to FIG. 6, asurgical stapling instrument 600 is shown with a loading unit 626 thatmay be employed with an actuation assembly 100. The operative featuresof the surgical stapling instrument 600 with loading unit 626 andcomponents associated therewith are similar to surgical staplinginstrument 10 with the loading unit 26 described hereinabove. So as notto obscure the present disclosure with redundant information, only thefeatures that are unique to the loading unit 626 and surgical instrument600 will be described herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7B, a movable handle 618 isconfigured to approximate a first jaw 630 a toward a second jaw 628 a.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7B, the first jaw 630 a ispivotably coupled to a proximal end of the end effector 624 and biasedin a normally open configuration. Additionally, the movable handle 618is configured to function in a manner as described hereinabove withrespect to movable handle 18. That is, movable handle 618 produces apulling force that drives actuation head 104 associated with theactuation assembly 100 proximally causing a plurality of the staplesassociated with a cartridge assembly 28 to deploy from the cartridgeassembly 28.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a camming feature 610 may be employedwhen the movable handle 618 and is configured to approximate the firstjaw 630 a toward a second jaw 628 a. Camming feature 610 is operablyassociated with an end effector 624. Camming feature 610 is similar tocamming feature 110 described above. More particularly, a pivot pin 614is operably associated with the end effector 624 adjacent the cartridge28 and operatively connects to the first jaw 630 a. In certainembodiments, the first jaw 630 a may include one or more cam slots,e.g., similar to cam slot 116, that is configured to facilitate movementof the first jaw 630 a.

A push rod 682 is in mechanical communication with movable handle 618via a drive mechanism (not shown). One or more cam pins or protuberances638 are operably disposed at a distal end of the push rod 682 and are intranslatable communication with one or more corresponding cam slots 620extending partially along a length of the end effector 624 adjacent thefirst jaw member 630 (see FIG. 6 in combination with FIG. 7A). In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7B, a pair of protuberances 638 isoperably disposed within a corresponding pair of cam slots 620. Each ofthe protuberances 638 is configured to cause first jaw member 630 a tomove toward the second jaw member 628 a when the protuberance 638 ispushed distally within the cam slot 620 and contacts a portion of thefirst jaw member 630 a.

First jaw member 630 a is configured similar to first jaw member 30 a.In FIGS. 6-7B, a generally flat (or in certain instances may begenerally arcuate) camming surface 622 is located at a proximal end ofthe first jaw member 630 a. Camming surface 622 is in mechanicalcommunication with the protuberance 638. In this instance, the jaw 630 afunctions as a moment arm created by the distance between 638 and 614,see FIG. 7A for example. More particularly, when the protuberance 638 ispushed distally within the cam slot 620, protuberance 638 contacts aportion of the camming surface 622, which, in turn, effectsapproximation of the first jaw member 630 a toward the second jaw member628 a (FIG. 7B).

In operation, tissue is positioned between anvil 30 and cartridge 28.When tissue is properly positioned between the anvil 30 and cartridge28, movable handle 618 is moved through an approximation stroke toapproximate the first and second jaw members, 630 a and 628 a,respectively, toward one another. More particularly, when movable handle618 is moved through the approximation stroke, push rod 682 is forceddistally (e.g., via a drive mechanism) pushing protuberances 638distally within the cam slots 620. During distal translation of theprotuberances 638 within the cam slots 620, a portion of theprotuberances 638 contacts a portion of the camming surface 622, this,in turn, effects approximation of the first jaw member 630 a toward thesecond jaw member 628 a. During the approximation stroke, curved portion38 is received into opening 40 where protrusion 42 releasably engagesthe curved portion 38 (FIG. 7B). Subsequently, movable handle 18 may bemoved through an actuation stroke causing the actuation member andoperative components associated therewith to function in a mannerdescribed hereinabove.

With reference to FIGS. 8-9B, and initially with reference to FIG. 8, asurgical stapling instrument 800 is shown with a loading unit 826 thatmay be employed with an actuation assembly 100. The operative featuresof the surgical stapling instrument 800 with loading unit 826 andcomponents associated therewith are similar to the surgical staplinginstrument 600 with loading unit 626 described hereinabove. So as not toobscure the present disclosure with redundant information, only thefeatures that are unique to the loading unit 826 and surgical instrument800 will be described herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-9B, the loading unit 826 and/ora surgical stapling instrument 800 are configured for use with alaparoscopic surgical procedure. That is, an end effector 824 of theloading unit 826 is configured for insertion into an access port “P,”see FIG. 9A, for example. Surgical port “P” may be a commonly-usedtrocar assembly and will not be described in further detail.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-9B, loading unit 826 includesan articulation element “A.” Loading units that include an articulationelement “A” are common in the art. One type of articulation element “A”that may be employed with the loading unit 826 is disclosed incommonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361 to Milliman et al., thecontents of which having been previously incorporated by reference inits entirety.

In FIGS. 8-9B, the loading unit 826 has a push rod 882. Moreparticularly, the push rod 882 is flexible and confined and supported inthe elongated shaft so that it (the push rod 882) will not buckle duringtranslation within the elongated shaft. Thus, in the instance where theend effector 824 is in an articulated position (see FIG. 9A, forexample), the push rod 882 flexes or bends to the contour of thearticulated element “A” and/or the end effector 824. The operativecomponents associated with the push rod 882 are similar to push rod 682described above. More particularly, push rod 882 is in mechanicalcommunication with a movable handle 818 via a drive mechanism (notshown). A pair of cam pins or protuberances 838 is operably disposed ata distal end of the push rod 882 and is in translatable communicationwith a corresponding pair of cam slots 820 extending partially along alength of the end effector 824 adjacent the first jaw member 830 a (FIG.9A). Each of the protuberances 838 is configured to cause first jawmember 830 a to move toward the second jaw member 828 a when theprotuberance 838 is pushed distally within the cam slot 820 and contactsa portion of the first jaw member 830 a.

In operation, an incision is made in tissue of a patient. An access port“P” is inserted into the incision. Thereafter, the end effector 824 maybe inserted into and through the access port “P” (see FIG. 9A, forexample). Tissue is positioned between anvil 30 and cartridge 28. Whentissue is properly positioned between the anvil 30 and cartridge 28,movable handle 818 is moved through an approximation stroke toapproximate the first and second jaw members, 830 a and 828 a,respectively, toward one another. Curved portion 38 is received intoopening 40 where protrusion 42 releasably engages the curved portion 38(FIG. 9B). Subsequently, movable handle 18 may be moved through anactuation stroke causing the actuation member and operative componentsassociated therewith to function in a manner described hereinabove.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figures, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can alsobe made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope ofthe same. For example, in an embodiment, actuation assembly 400 may beconfigured for use with a end effector 417 that is configured to pivotabout a point 418 at a distal end thereof (see FIG. 10, for example). Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the actuation assembly 400 may beconfigured to operate in a manner as previously described herein withreference to actuation assembly 100. For example, end effector 417 mayinclude a cartridge 428 including a track 420, an anvil assembly 430including a track 412, a track 432, and all components associated withactuation assembly 100 previously described above. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 8, cable 102 may extend within anvil 420 and connectto a top portion 410 of knife blade 408.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosurebe limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad inscope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1. A surgical instrument configured to join tissue, comprising: a handleassembly including an actuator member; an elongated shaft extendingdistally from the handle assembly and defining a first longitudinalaxis; an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of theelongated portion, the end effector having a pair of first and secondjaw members defining a gap therebetween, at least one of the first andsecond jaw members being pivotably movable from an open position whereinthe jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another,to a clamping position wherein each of the first and second jaw memberscooperate to grasp tissue, each of the first and second jaw membersbeing elongate and defining a second longitudinal axis and each of thefirst and second jaw members including a respective longitudinal track;an actuation assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the endeffector, wherein actuation of the actuator member causes at least aportion of the actuation assembly to translate from a distal portion ofthe end effector towards a proximal portion of the end effector throughthe tracks in the first and second jaw members; the second jaw memberhaving a surgical stapling cartridge and a distal end extendingtransversely to the second longitudinal axis at least partiallyenclosing the gap between the first jaw member and second jaw member;and a lock for locking the first jaw member to the second jaw member. 2.A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the second jawmember is an anvil assembly.
 3. A surgical instrument according to claim2, wherein proximal movement of the actuation assembly causes staples tobe ejected from the cartridge assembly towards the anvil assembly.
 4. Asurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the actuation assemblyincludes an actuation head having a knife with a proximal edgeconfigured to sever tissue.
 5. A surgical instrument according to claim1, wherein a top and bottom portion of the actuation head forms an “I”beam configuration, such that the top and bottom portions of theactuation head are receivable within respective tracks associated withthe first and second jaw members.
 6. A surgical instrument according toclaim 1, wherein a cam slot and cam pin configuration is operablyassociated with the end effector and configured to facilitate remoteapproximation of the first and second jaw members.
 7. A surgicalinstrument according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the secondjaw member is configured to house at least a portion of the actuationassembly prior to actuation of the actuation member.
 8. A surgicalinstrument according to claim 1, further comprising an actuation cabledisposed in mechanical cooperation with the actuation assembly and withthe actuation member.
 9. A surgical instrument according to claim 1,further comprising an approximation member disposed in mechanicalcooperation with the handle assembly, wherein actuation of theapproximation member causes distal translation of an approximationassembly which causes the end effector to move towards its secondposition.
 10. A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein theend effector is movable between a parallel position where the firstlongitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second longitudinalaxis and an offset position where the first longitudinal axis and thesecond longitudinal axis are offset from each other.
 11. A surgicalinstrument according to claim 1, wherein the end effector is part of adisposable loading unit.
 12. A surgical instrument according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the jaw members is pivotable with respect to theother about a pivot point disposed on a proximal portion of the endeffector.
 13. A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein atleast one of the jaw members is pivotable with respect to the otherabout a pivot point disposed on a distal portion of the end effector.14. A surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the surgicalinstrument is configured for a laparoscopic surgical procedure.
 15. Asurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the second jaw memberhas a lock member for securely engaging the distal end of the first jawmember.
 16. A surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein thelock member for securely engaging the distal end of the first jaw memberis biased in a generally proximal direction.
 17. A surgical instrumentaccording to claim 15, wherein the lock member has a first position thatsecures the first jaw member and a second position for allowing thefirst jaw member to move.
 18. A surgical instrument according to claim15, further comprising a pusher extending from the lock member to thehandle assembly.
 19. A surgical instrument according to claim 18,wherein the pusher is accessible by a user of the instrument to move thepusher, thereby releasing the first jaw member.
 20. A surgicalinstrument according to claim 15, wherein the first jaw member has morethan one closed position and the lock member has more than one featurefor securing the position of the first jaw member.
 21. A surgicalstapling instrument, comprising: a handle assembly having an actuatormember; an elongated shaft extending distally from the handle assemblyand defining a longitudinal axis; an end effector at a distal end of theshaft and having a first jaw member with a first distal, free end and asecond jaw member with a second distal, free end, at least one of thefirst jaw member and second jaw member being pivotably movable about apivot portion at a proximal portion of the jaw members; an actuationhead at the first distal, free end of the first jaw member and beingconnected to a flexible actuation member; the first jaw member being asurgical stapling cartridge; and a locking feature at the first distalfree end of the first jaw member.
 22. A surgical instrument according toclaim 21, wherein the second jaw member is an anvil assembly.
 23. Asurgical instrument according to claim 22, wherein proximal movement ofthe actuation head causes staples to be ejected from the cartridgeassembly towards the anvil assembly.
 24. A surgical instrument accordingto claim 21, wherein the actuation head includes a knife with a proximaledge configured to sever tissue.
 25. A surgical instrument according toclaim 21, wherein the first distal, free end of the first jaw member isconfigured to house at least a portion of the actuation head prior toactuation of the actuator member.
 26. A surgical instrument according toclaim 21, wherein the end effector defines a second longitudinal axisand wherein the end effector is movable between a parallel positionwhere the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to thesecond longitudinal axis and an offset position where the firstlongitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are offset from eachother.
 27. A surgical instrument according to claim 21, wherein the endeffector is part of a disposable loading unit.
 28. A surgical instrumentaccording to claim 21, wherein at least one of the jaw members ispivotable with respect to the other about a pivot point disposed on adistal portion of the end effector.